Keys to Unlocking Utility EV Strategies

Erika H. Myers joined SEPA in 2015 and leads SEPA’s transportation electrification research. She has 16 years of experience in the clean energy sector and specializes in the nexus between the grid, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

Erika currently serves on an electric vehicle (EV) steering committee for the U.S. Department of Energy and is an EV advisor for the National Energy Foundation, a non-profit organization developing curriculum to increase EV literacy in K-12 schools. She was awarded the 2019 Public Utility Fortnightly “Fortnightly Under 40” award for her work on vehicle-grid integration.

Prior to joining SEPA, Erika worked as a consultant with ICF International where she helped electric utilities and local governments develop EV readiness plans. She also served as the Renewable Energy Manager for the South Carolina Energy Office and was a Clean Cities Coordinator for the Palmetto State Clean Fuels Coalition. In these roles, she oversaw the development and execution of key state renewable energy and clean transportation policies, regulations, and grant programs.

Erika has a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina with a specialization in clean energy and climate science.

In her spare time, Erika volunteers for her city’s Energy Transition Subcommittee where she identified donations for the city’s first bank of public EV chargers. She also volunteers as a regular guest speaker for the Clean Energy Leadership Institute and mentors young professionals interested in a clean transportation career.

Sonika Choudhary is a Resource Planner at the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU), where she focuses on projects within the umbrella of distributed energy resources (DERs), including, transportation electrification, local solar, and incorporating DERs into electric supply and distribution planning. CPAU has been on the forefront of communitywide sustainability actions, with 100% carbon neutral electric supply, award winning solar program, and highest new electric vehicle market share in the nation. Sonika comes to CPAU from PG&E’s Grid Innovation and Energy Policy groups, where she performed research and analysis to inform PG&E’s climate and energy policy positions. Sonika holds B.S. in Electrical Power Engineering from IIT Delhi and M.S. in Sustainable Energy Systems from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Chris Budzynski currently serves as Director, Utility Strategy for Exelon Utilities (EU) working directly with Exelon Corporation’s six operating utilities. Current responsibilities include leading the development of strategic growth initiatives.

Prior to his current role, Chris held several management and leadership positions within the Constellation Energy/Exelon Treasury Organization including Assistant Treasurer at the parent companies and Treasurer of Baltimore Gas and Electric. Before working in the Treasury Organization, Chris joined Constellation Energy as a Director of Corporate Strategy where he was responsible for helping to develop the company’s overall strategy direction and supporting various aspects of M&A activity, including integration. Prior to joining Constellation Energy/ Exelon, Chris was Vice President, Utility and Power for Legg Mason in Baltimore. In this role, Chris was a sell-side equity analyst covering the electric, water and gas industries.

Chris attended the Program Management Development (PMD) at Harvard Business School, which was designed to prepare functional managers and professional specialists for career transitions in leadership roles. Chris graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Finance.

Jason Gaschel is the Electric Vehicle Program Manager at Florida Power and Light Company. He promotes the adoption of electric vehicles through customer outreach, education and pro-electric drive legislation. Prior to joining FPL, he developed alternative energy programming at Seminole State College of Florida that highlighted electric transportation. He is a former chairman of the Central Florida Clean Cities Coalition and holds a master’s degree in technical education from the University of Central Florida.